OREANDA-NEWS Russian grandmaster Sergey Karjakin refused to play at the World Cup without the flag and anthem of his country, despite the invitation of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). He stated this in a video message published in the Telegram channel.

The chess player noted that the World Cup is his favorite tournament, at which he has repeatedly performed. However, in the upcoming tournament, according to Karjakin, he will not be able to "represent his country, play under his flag and, in case of a successful performance, hear the anthem of Russia."

"Accordingly, I am categorically against this, my position does not change, I have expressed it many times," the grandmaster said.

In the next entry, Karjakin asked his fans to vote on whether to perform at the upcoming tournament in a neutral status.

On September 21, FIDE reported that Karjakin was admitted to international tournaments after a six-month suspension. At the moment, all Russian chess players perform without national symbols. "For me, this is a matter of principle. I am glad that I have never performed in a neutral status, and I do not strive for this," the grandmaster said at the time.